UN concerned by political violence in Burundi
New York, Apr 11 (IBNS): The United Nations on Thursday called on the Government of Burundi to address ongoing political violence and restrictions on human rights, saying it is receiving "troubling" information about recent developments in the country.
UN establishes peacekeeping mission in CAR
New York, Apr 10 (IBNS): Deeply concerned about the deteriorating security situation and ongoing human rights abuses in the Central Africa Republic (CAR), the UN Security Council on Thursday approved the establishment of a nearly 12,000-strong United Nations peacekeeping operation to protect civilians and facilitate humanitarian access in the war-torn country.
China: Bus overturns in Hainan province , 8 killed
Haikou, Apr 10 (IBNS) At least eight students were killed and above 30 others were injured as a bus in which they were traveling was overturned at Hainan province in China on Thursday, media reports said.
UN provides aid to besieged Syrians in eastern Aleppo
New York, Apr 10 (IBNS): The United Nations refugee agency and the Syrian Arab Red Crescent (SARC) said on Wednesday it managed to bring humanitarian aid to a besieged neighbourhood in eastern Aleppo, an area that had been cut off from assistance since last June.
UN urges DR Congo to end impunity for sexual violence
New York, Apr 10 (IBNS): United Nations officials on Wednesday called on the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) to step up the fight against impunity for rape and sexual violence, which remain widespread and largely unpunished despite some progress in holding perpetrators accountable.
UN launches joint talks on development partnerships
New York, Apr 10 (IBNS): The United Nations took a major step on the road towards crafting a new, sustainability-focused agenda, as two of the Organization's main bodies - the General Assembly and the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) - brought Member States together to weigh action-oriented solutions for mobilizing new and existing development partnerships.
South Sudan: UN reaffirms commitment to protect civilians
New York, Apr 10 (IBNS): The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) said on Wednesday that since the hostilities that erupted between the Government and opposition forces last December, an average of 75,000 civilians have found refuge from violence in UN bases across the country.
UN urges Lithuania to reverse political ban on ex-president
New York, Apr 10 (IBNS): The United Nations expert body monitoring civil and political rights found on Wednesday that Lithuania violated the rights of its ex-president, Rolandas Paksas, by introducing a rule banning impeached officials from holding high office - just weeks after he had been removed from his post for abuse of power.
Syria: Ban condemns spiralling violence, urges end to conflict
New York, Apr 9 (IBNS): Amid surging violence across Syria, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has condemned the killing of an elderly priest in Homs and the ongoing brutality against the civilian population, and urged all Syrians and their outside supporters to put a stop to this conflict, "now".
Europe: UN urges inclusion of Roma people in decision-making
New York, Apr 9 (IBNS): On International Roma Day, the United Nations independent expert on minority issues is calling on all European countries and institutions to fully include Roma people in their decision-making processes at all levels.
New Zealand: UN concerned by arbitrary detention of Maoris
New York, Apr 9 (IBNS): A United Nations human rights panel has voiced concerns about issues related to the deprivation of liberty in New Zealand, including the "disproportionate incarceration rates" of the Maori population, despite legal safeguards against arbitrary detention.
UN assists Syrians amidst fears of drought impact
New York, Apr 9 (IBNS): While noting that the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) provided assistance to a record 4 million Syrians in March, a new report out on Tuesday highlights that, with only one month left in the rainy season, a potential drought may strain the country's already fragile food security situation.
Blast in Pakistan train kills 16
Sibi, Apr 8 (IBNS): At least 16 people were killed and several others were injured in a blast inside the bogie of Jaffer Express at Sibi Railway Station in Pakistan's Baluchistan province on Tuesday, media reports said.
UN condemns killing of two consultants in Somalia
New York, Apr 8 (IBNS): Senior United Nations officials on Monday voiced outrage at the killing of two consultants working for the world body's arm dealing with drugs and crime who were shot by unknown gunmen in Somalia's Puntland region.
Kigali: Ban marks 20th anniversary of Rwandan genocide
New York, Apr 8 (IBNS): Commemorating "one of the darkest chapters in human history," United Nations officials paid tribute this morning to the 800,000 men, women and children - overwhelmingly Tutsi, moderate Hutu and Twa - that were systematically killed 20 years ago in Rwanda, and urged the international community to work together and remain vigilant to prevent such atrocities from ever happening again.